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- The Ivory Coast vs Kenya game will be played on Tuesday night at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
- Kickoff is at 10.00PM EAT.
The men’s national team, the Harambee Stars, will be looking to cap off their journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on a high note when they face hopefuls Ivory Coast on Tuesday night at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
The Harambee Stars departed for Cote D’Ivoire this past Saturday and held their first training session on Sunday evening, awaiting an encounter that is a dead rubber for them but a match the hosts must win.
ALSO READ: Gabon coach Mouyouma backs Harambee Stars to stun Ivory Coast in Abidjan
This marks the tenth and final qualifier for coach Benni McCarthy’s squad, who enter the contest buoyed by confidence after securing three points in their penultimate match, a narrow 1-0 victory over Burundi at the Intwari Stadium.
They now face table-toppers Ivory Coast, whom they hope to upset and derail their nine-match unbeaten streak in the qualifiers.
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A win for Ivory Coast would punch their ticket to next year’s global showpiece in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada. A draw would leave them needing Gabon to lose or draw against Burundi with a Gabon victory consigning them to the playoffs.
That said, the hosts have everything to play for, unlike Kenya, who will be competing for pride and a strong finish as they currently sit third with 12 points.
Here are the key details for the Ivory Coast vs Harambee Stars match.
What time does Ivory Coast vs Kenya kick off?
Ivory Coast will host Kenya on Tuesday, October 14, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, with kick-off set for 10:00 PM EAT.
Ivory Coast vs Kenya team news
The Elephants enter this encounter with no major injuries reported.
However, their formidable squad depth is a cause for concern for any opponent as they seek a return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
In their recent qualifier against Seychelles last week, Emerse Fae’s side secured an emphatic 7-0 victory, even without several of their European-based stars.
With this crucial match demanding nothing less than a win, the Harambee Stars must be prepared to face players like Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, AC Milan’s Evan Ndicka, Nicolas Pepe, Simon Adingra, and Mohammed Kone.
Elite talents like Oumar Diakite, who did not start against Seychelles, may also be involved.
For his part, McCarthy might consider rotating his squad from the one that faced Burundi. Brian Bwire is unavailable due to injury, leaving Byrne Omondi as the expected custodian.
Rooney Onyango is set to miss the match after receiving his second yellow card of the campaign, while the availability of Alpha Onyango remains unconfirmed.
However, Ryan Ogam remains a strong candidate for the starting lineup after scoring the decisive goal against Burundi.
Ivory Coast vs Harambee Stars Probable Line-ups
- Cote D’Ivoire: Fofana, Agbadou, Kossounou, Ndicka, Konan, Sangare, Kessie, Diakite, Pepe, Haller, Diallo
- Kenya: Omondi, Owino, Kibwage, Sichenje, Omija, Okwaro, T. Ouma, Lenkupae, Abuya, Ogam, Olunga
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Ivory Coast vs Harambee Stars head-to-head and Current Form
This will be only the second-ever meeting between the two sides. The first encounter was in June 2024, a goalless draw in the first leg hosted by Kenya at the Bingu National Stadium in Malawi.
- Ivory Coast World Cup Qualifying CAF Form: DWWWDW
- All Competitions: WLWWDW
- Kenya World Cup Qualifying CAF Form: DDLLWW
- All Competitions: WWLLWW
Ivory Coast vs Kenya Prediction
There is no doubt Ivory Coast enters this match as the overwhelming favorite, seeking a ticket to their fourth World Cup appearance with the full support of their home crowd.
However, the reigning AFCON champions would be wise not to underestimate the potential upset McCarthy’s charges could spring.
Despite being out of contention, Kenya will be playing for pride and a strong finish.
This is a match expected to produce goals, as both sides boast talented attackers. While the hosts are heavily favored, it should still be a tight and compelling contest.